IL139170A - Nutritional product for a person having renal failure - Google Patents

Description

TTT7D Τ1Ρ3Π -ΉΏ 7310Π D7N7 TlDITJl Ί-ϋΠ NUTRITIONAL PRODUCT FOR A PERSON HAVING RENAL FAILURE NUTRTTIONAL PRODUCT FOR A PERSON HAVING RENAL FAILURE This invention relates generally to a nutritionally complete liquid supplement (referred to as "product") for enteral feeding, which has been formulated to address the nutritional needs of persons undergoing renal dialysis because they suffer from renal failure. The product is formulated for persons who suffer from acute or chronic inflammation of kidney tissue; in particular, those who have a dysfunctional glomerulus, which is a cluster of capillaries responsible for the production of urine.

It is well established that renal disease affects the nutritional status of a person with renal failure, both directly and indirectly in so many ways, that it is difficult to achieve a caloric goal by controlling the person's diet Major factors which determine the quality of life for a patient are (a) the nutritional status of the patient when dialysis was commenced; and, (b) the patient's ability to ingest and most efficiently metabolize the nutrition provided. Calcium is malabsorbed in patients with renal disease, and they require a relatively high dietary intake; phosphorus is poorly excreted, and due to high plasma levels, phosphorus intake must be limited. Health care professionals dealing with a patient undergoing dialysis must cope with the need to replace the function of the kidneys. They refer to arginine as a non-essential amino acid and do not suggest providing it in elemental form.

Choosing a renal diet is complicated because specific nutrient requirements and limitations vary from patients who have acute renal failure to those who have chronic renal failure or end-stage renal disease. The choice depends on the stage of renal disease, the type of treatment prescribed and whether the patient has diabetes (present in up to one half of all renal patients). The challenge is to balance the need to limit the intake of essential nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium and sodium with the need to provide sufficient protein and energy to maintain nutritional health.

The primary nutritional need for patients undergoing hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is to maintain metabolic homeostasis (normal functional indices, positive nitrogen balance, and a stable weight) by feeding them, either as a sole or supplemental source of nutrition, a balanced nutritional product, when they need a nutritionally complete product. Particularly since L- arginine, its precursors and its metabolites are deemed to be at the center of the interaction of different metabolic pathways and interorgan communication, and deemed particularly beneficial for glomerular function, the nutritional product of the present invention is fortified with arginine, making it more available, because free amino acids having molecular weights of less than about 500 are rapidly absorbed.

Since a hemodialysis patient averages three treatments per week, or once every 56 hours, though the typical patient is not treated after equal intervals, it is essential that the level of arginine in the bloodstream be maintained. The maintenance of normal levels of L-arginine depends on the levels of dietary intake of the amino acid. L-arginine, is known to have an unpleasant taste, which makes it difficult to include arginine in elemental form in a practical, stable liquid nutritional supplement. The problem is to formulate a product with the requisite amount of elemental arginine, yet maintain desirable viscosity and osmolality; preferably also, to imbue it with a good taste; to find the appropriate order of incorporating the components of the recipe to yield desirable organoleptic properties; and to ensure that upon sterilization and packaging, the effectiveness of the arginine is not lost in the product which retains those desirable properties and remains shelf-stable for at least one year.

The present invention provides a liquid nutritional product having a caloric density of about 2 cal/ml, comprising protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, wherein the caloric distribution attributable to said protein is less than one-half that attributable to either said carbohydrates or fat, wherein added elemental l-arginine contributes from about 0.5% to 7% of total calories, and at least one-half of total available arginine is added as said elemental I^-arginine to enhance the glomerular function of diseased kidneys.

By "elemental" arginine is meant molecular arginine (MW = 174.2) which is soluble in water.

The composition of this invention is nutritionally complete, by which term is meant that the composition contains adequate nutrients to sustain healthy human life for extended periods. The composition can be cow milk-based, soy-based, or based on other proteins or nutrients, provided it is fortified with at least enough elemental arginine to double the contribution of arginine available from a chosen source of protein. The caloric density of the nutritionally complete composition of the invention is about 2 cal/ml (calories per milliliter) in a ready-to-feed form. The term "about 2 cal/ml" is meant to include caloric densities which are slightly above and below 2 oal/ml such as from 1.7 to 2.3 cal/ml, whereby a density of 2 cal/ml is preferred. The liquid, nutritionally complete product flows easily under gravity, through a conventional feeding tube, and has tolerable osmolality adapted for an adult enteral composition that is intended to come into contact with the gastric contents of the stomach. The product may be formulated to be tube-fed, or it may also be formulated to be administered via the oral route, and since the latter is preferred, the product's good taste is an important factor. The detrimental effect of bitter elemental arginine on the taste of any formulation containing more than a trace amount had to be overcome. A product with a good taste is provided by adding one or more carboxylic acids which also function to neutralize the high pH of the arginine.

Preferably the product further contains magnesium which is preferably provided in the form of magnesium carbonate, magnesium sulfate or magnesium oxide.

In a retorted product, citric acid is essential in combination with citrates of sodium, and/or potassium and or calcium. A "retorted product" is a product which has been sterilised by heat, typically while contained in its package. Retorted products are especially useful for administration by tube-feeding.

L-arginine, which is known to be a non-essential amino acid, is critical for enhancing the glomerular function of the kidneys; and, at least as much elemental arginine is added in a liquid formulation as is present in protein incorporated in the liquid, contributing from 0.5% to 7%, preferably 0.75% to 7%, particularly preferred from 0.75% to 3% and even more particularly preferred from 1.2% to 3% of total calories in the formulation.

Preferably the nutritional product of the invention fulfills one or more of the following criteria: it has a pH in a slightly acidic or neutral range, preferably in the range from about 6 to about 8, , preferably from 6.5 to 7.5; it has an osmolality below 1000 mOsm/kg water, preferably from about 500 to 900 mOsm kg water; and/or it has a viscosity of less than 100 cp, preferably 30 to 70 cp. Furthermore, the nutritional product of the invention preferably contains no lactose and sucrose. Moreover, it is preferred that in addition to being lactose- and sucrose-free the product of the invention contains no fructose or fructose in an amount of less than 1.5% of total calories.

The water content of the product of the invention is preferably less than 80% by weight, preferably less than 75%, particularly preferred less than 70%.

Unexpectedly, combining the L-arginine with one or more specific carboxylic acids not only lowers the pH into the desirable range, but also imbues the product for oral ingestion with a pleasant taste which may be enhanced by other ingredients of the nutritionally complete composition. In the "oral" formulation, neutralizing the arginine with lactic, adipic or malic acids, which are examples of "arginine-neutralizing acids", suppresses the bad taste of arginine, lowers the pH and provides a key ingredient which controls viscosity; varying the levels of staple nutrient components within allowable ranges has surprisingly little effect on the taste, but influences other properties substantially. The formulation is stabilized without the use of commonly used protein stabilizers, and is aseptically sterilized at a temperature below 148.7°C (30O°F) for from 3 to 10 sec. In the formulation for a retorted product, neutralizing the arginine with a combination of citric acid and citrates (which act as a buffer), in a citric acid/citrate ratio in the range from 2 to 8, preferably from 2.5 to 6, both lowers the pH into the desired range as well as stabilizes the protein so that it survives high temperature sterilization in the range from 121°C to 132°C (250°F to 270°F) for from 10 to 20 min.

The nutritional product of the invention is calorie and nutrient-dense, has moderate to high protein content. Preferably it has a high calcium to phosphorus ratio of at least 1:1, particularly preferred in the range from about 1 : 1 to 2: 1. In a preferred embodiment the product contains about 100 g fat/L, about 200 g carbohydrate L, and essentially no sugars such as sucrose, lactose or fructose which have an inordinately high adverse effect on osmolality. If desired, a small amount of fructose, contributing less than 1.5% of total calories, may be added provided the desired osmolality of the formulation is maintained. In addition, 236.6ml (8 fl oz) of a preferred embodiment of the product which provides about 475 cal, contains from 25 mg to 75 mg of magnesium, and 1 liter meets at least 100% of the RDI (reference daily intake) for vitamins and minerals with the exception of chloride, vitamin D, vitamin A, phosphorus, magnesium, chromium and molybdenum. Yet, the product meets the nutritional requirements of a renal patient. Specifically the product is low in phosphorus content and contains L-arginine to help maintain a desirable normal level for each patient.

A specific product which provides about 2 cal ml is characterized by having less than 80% by weight water, and the addition of enough elemental arginine to contribute from about 1.2% to 3% total calories. The balance of arginine may be derived from caseinates. The caloric distribution for such a product is as follows: from all arginine 1.2% to 3%; from protein, 12 to 18%; from fat, 40 to 46%; the balance from carbohydrates. In one preferred formulation flavored for oral use, containing essentially no sucrose, lactose or fructose, and lactic acid as taste-suppressant, for those patients who tend to absorb alunimunv ontaining phosphate binders which are prescribed, no citric acid or citrates are present; in another formulation for tube feeding, containing a combination of citric acid and citrates as taste-suppressant, essentially no lactose, sucrose or fructose is present. Citrates are chosen from the salts of sodium, potassium and calcium to provide a desired balance of the levels of each. Most preferably, a citric acid and citrates-containing formulation is packaged in a retortable container for tube feeding, being hermetically sealed, sterilized and shelf-stabilized at about 124.3°C (256°F) for 13 min. An aseptically sterilized container is sterilized at about 137.6eC (280°F) for 4.5 sec, for oral or tube feeding a product with no citric acid or citrates. In each product, changing the order of addition of the arginine relative to the protein and carbohydrates, and that of the oils relative to the foregoing, produces an undesirable product.

The invention will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description, accompanied with a schematic illustration of preferred process steps for making each embodiment of the product: Figure 1 is a flow chart for a process to make product free of citric acid or citrates.

Figure 2 is a flow chart for a process to make product containing both citric acid and citrates.

Dialyzed patients suffering from renal failure over a prolonged period experience long-term stress and are at risk for malnutrition. The composition, designed to meet the nutritional needs of humans with renal failure, contains ingredients such as a protein (amino acid) source, a lipid source, and a carbohydrate source. Typically milk, skim milk, casein, hydrolyzed casein, hydrolyzed whey protein, whey, whey protein concentrate, vegetable protein concentrate (e.g. soy protein isolate), hydrolyzed vegetable protein (e.g. soy), provide the source of protein, and animal oils, vegetable oils, along with a balanced carbohydrate mix of starch and/or corn syrup solids will supply part or all of the amino acids and/or protein, lipid, and carbohydrate as well as other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Sucrose and lactose are excluded because of their adverse effect on the osmolality of the product.

One liter of the product preferably comprises from about 3.7 g to 35 g arginine, about 70 g to 80 g protein, about 90 g to 110 g fat, about 180 g to 220 g carbohydrates and provides about 2000 calories. Most preferably, 1 liter of product comprises 74 g protein, 100 g fat, and 200 g carbohydrate per liter and from 3.7 g to 12.6 g added elemental L-arginine to contribute in the range from 0.75% to 2.5% of total calories respectively.

If a patient undergoes peritoneal dialysis every 24 hr, the moisture content may be 80%; but if hemodialysis is performed only 3 times a week, the amount of water (when 80% of product is water) ingested in 6.9551 (235.2 fl. oz as 4.2 portions, each 8 fl. oz. (236.6ml) over 7 days), is much greater relative to the water ingested in 6.9551 (235.2 fl. oz) containing less than 70% water. This difference is of great significance with respect to attaining, then maintaining the "dry weight" of the patient between dialysis runs. By "dry weight" is meant the actual body weight at normal hydration. In the most preferred embodiment the volume of water present is about 65% by weight.

The carbohydrate component of the composition of the invention can be any suitable carbohydrate known in the art to be suitable for use in nutritionally complete compositions except added sucrose and lactose. Typical carbohydrates include fructose, xylitol, glucose, maltodextrin, corn syrup, corn syrup solids, rice syrup solids, rice starch, modified corn starch, modified tapioca starch, rice flour, soy flour, and the like. The adverse effects of the carbohydrate (required to be added) on viscosity and osmolality require that corn syrup or corn syrup solids be used in a major amount relative to any other carbohydrate used. It is most preferred to use substantially all corn syrup or corn syrup solids. Fiber may be added as part of the carbohydrate.

The fat (lipid) can be any fat known in the art to be suitable for use in nutritionally complete compositions. Typical lipid sources include milk fat, safflower oil, canola oil, egg yolk lipid, olive oil, cotton seed oil, coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, fish oil and fractions of all above oils derived thereof such as palm olein, medium chain triglycerides (MCT), and esters of fatty acids wherein the fatty acids are, for example, arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, docosahexaneoic acid, eicosapentaneoic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid, lauric acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, caproic acid, and the like. High oleic forms of various oils are also contemplated to be useful herein such as high oleic sunflower oil and high oleic safflower oil. Most preferred is a combination of high oleic sunflower oil, corn oil and MCT oil because it provides a fat profile which is high in monounsaturated fats, low in saturated fats and the MCT enhances fat absorption.

Preferred protein sources are whey protein, sodium caseinate or calcium caseinate provided available arginine from the protein is supplemented with elemental L-arginine in an amount at least as great as that present in the protein, and preferably from 25% to 600% more than is present in the protein. The protein source can be any protein and/or amino acid mixture known in the art to be suitable for use in nutritionally complete compositions. Typical protein sources are animal protein, vegetable protein such as soy protein, milk protein such as skim milk protein, whey protein and casein, and amino acids (or salts thereof) such as isoleucine, phenylalanine, leucine, lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan, arginine, glutamine, taurine, valine, carnitine, tyrosine, serine, and the like.

Elemental arginine is incorporated by neutralization with a carboxylic acid the choice and amount of which depends upon whether the product is to be sterilized at a temperature above that at which the proteins are destabilized, typically above 121°C (250°F), if not adequately protected. For aseptic packaging, when the product is to be sterilized at a temperature in the range from 137.6°C to 143.2°C (280°F to 290°F) for about 10 sec, the arginine is neutralized with an arginine-neutralizing acid selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, malic acid, and adipic acid. The ratio of arginine-neutralizing acid to arginine is in the range from 0.75 to 1.5 for 88% food grade lactic acid. Addition of more than 7% arginine (based on % of total cal) requires so much arginine-neutralizing acid that taste of the product is unacceptable. Since lactic acid is a monocarboxylic acid, malic acid is a hydroxydicarbox lic acid and adipic is a dicarboxylic acid, it is only by chance that they exhibit similar taste and stabilization properties. For the retorted product which is hermetically sealed for tube feeding, when the product is to be stabilized at a temperature in the range from about 121°C to 132°C (250°F to 270°F) for about 15 min, the arginine is neutralized with a combination of citric acid and citrates of Na, K and Ca, the ratio of citric acid and citrates to arginine being in the range from 1 to 2.5. When the ratio exceeds 2.5, or is less than 1, the stability of the protein is compromised.

Nutritionally complete compositions contain all vitamins and minerals understood to be essential in the daily diet and these should be present in nutritionally significant amounts. Those skilled in the art appreciate that minimum requirements have been established for certain vitamins and minerals that are known to be necessary for normal physiological function. Most preferably the product contains the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of nutritional components.

Practitioners also understand that appropriate additional amounts (overages) of vitamin and mineral ingredients need to be provided to compensate for some loss during processing and storage of such compositions. The composition of the invention preferably contains at least 100% of the RDI in 2000 cal of the product with the exceptions noted above.

To select a specific vitamin or mineral compound to be used in the composition requires consideration of that vitamin or compound's chemical nature regarding compatibility with the processing chosen and shelf storage.

Examples of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients optionally present in the formula of the invention include vitamin A, vitamin Bg, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin D, inositol, taurine, folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, pantothenic acid, choline, calcium, phosphorous, iodine, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese, chloride, potassium, sodium, β-carotene, nucleotides, selenium, and carnitine. Minerals are usually added in salt form. In addition to compatibility and stability considerations, the presence and amounts of specific minerals and other vitamins will vary somewhat depending on the intended consumer population.

The composition of the invention also typically contains emulsifiers and/or stabilizers such as lecithin, (e.g., egg or soy), carrageenan, xanthan gum, mono- and diglycerides, guar gum, microcrystalline cellulose/carboxymethyl cellulose ("MCC/CMC"), stearoyl lactylates, succinylated monoglycerides, diacetyl tartaric acid esters of monoglycerides, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, or any mixture thereof.

The composition of the invention can be sterilized, if desired, by techniques known in the art, for example, heat treatment such as autoclaving or retorting, irradiation, and the like, or processed and packaged either by mild aseptic processing for oral feeding, or by more severe sterilization for tube-feeding.

The composition of the invention can be packaged in any type of container known in the art to be useful for storing nutritional products such as glass, lined paperboard, plastic, coated metal cans and the like, but are most preferably packaged in a bottle for tube feeding, and in a paper container for oral use.

The following examples illustrate the invention, but should not be construed as limiting the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

Example 1 Referring to Fig 1 there is presented a process flow diagram for preparing the product in an "aseptic system". In greater detail, an 3628.8 kg (8000 lb) batch of product is prepared as follows: 1703.9 kg (3756.3 lb) of deionized water at 59.9°C (140°F) is pumped into a 4546 1 (1000 gal) processing vessel ("processor") and 2.72 kg (6 lb) of MCC CMC (familiarly referred to as "gum") added. In a separate oil tank is mixed 237.6 kg (523.9 lb) H.O. sunflower oil, 49.94 kg (110.1 lb) MCT oil, and 1.80 kg (114.2 lb) corn oil and the mixture heated to 37.7-82.1°C (100-180°F), preferably 71-73.8°C (160-165°F). 5.67 kg (12.5 lb) lecithin is added to the hot oil ("oil mix"). Add 0.72 kg (1.6 lb) antifoam to the processor and also 199.58 kg (440 lb) sodium caseinate; 58.38 kg (128.7 lb) calcium caseinate; 22.68 kg (50 lb) fructose; and 5.94 kg (13.1 lb) flavor (vanilla). Add 791.08 kg (1744 lb) corn syrup solids heated to about 43.3°C (110°F).

In a separate "acid tank" add 9.30 kg (20.5 lb) lactic acid (commercial 88%) to 90.72 kg (200 lb) deionized water, add 12.34 kg (27.2 lb) L-arginine and dissolve. Add to the processor. Add the oil mix to the processor and flush with 45.36 kg (100 lb) water. Add 1.54 kg (3.4 lb) choline chloride and 21.09 kg (46.5 lb) vitarmn/mineral premix-708351 with 90.72 kg (200 lb) water and add to the processor. Flush the acid tank with 90.72 kg (200 lb) water and add the water to the processor. Heat the mixed product to 59.9-82.1°C (140-180°F), preferably 73.8°C (165eF), in a plate heat exchanger and pump to a de-aerator. Commence homogenizing, and after start of homogenization add 68.04 kg (150 lb) water and 1.81 kg (4 lb) sodium ascorbate to another tank. Mix to dissolve and add to storage tank. Flush ascorbate tank with 68.04 kg (150 lb) water. The product is then cooled to a temperature of about 4.4°C (40°F). Agitate continuously until a sample indicates an approved product. Aseptically sterilize at 137.6°C (280°F) for 5 sec in Tetra Brik®packages.

The main ingredients used to make 3628.8 kg (8000 lb) of aseptic Tetra Brik® product in the above process flow scheme are as follows: deionized water 2157.5 kg (4756.31b); L-arginine 12.3 kg (27.21b); corn syrup 791.1 kg (17441b); high oleic sunflower oil 273.4 kg (523.91b) ; sodium caseinate 199.6 kg (4401b) ; calcium caseinate 58.4 kg (128.71b); corn oil 51.8 kg (114.2 lb); MCT oil 49.9 kg (110.1 lb); fructose 22.7 kg (50 lb); lactic acid 9.3 kg (12.5 lb); lecithin 5.7 kg (12.51b); antifoam 0.7 kg (1.6 lb); MCC/CMC ("gum") 2.7 kg (6 lb); flavor 5.9 kg (13.1 lb); choline chloride 1.5 kg (3.4 lb); vdtamin/mineral premix 21.1 kg (46.5 lb); sodium ascorbate 1.8 kg (4.0 lb).

TABLE 1A The following is a list of ingredients and the relative amounts, in g liter, typically served in 1 liter of an illustrative embodiment of the product for oral feeding, in which total elemental L-arginine provides 1.2% of total calories: g liter deionized water 648.047 36 DE corn syrup 237.56 fructose 6.600 high oleic sunflower oil 71.380 sodium caseinate 58.088 calcium caseinate 19.403 MCT oil 15.000 corn oil 15.560 L-arginine 3.705 lactic acid 2.787 premix-708351 6.34 artificial vanilla flavor 1.790 lecithin 1.703 "gum" 0.812 choline chloride 0.462 sodium ascorbate 0.545 antifoam 0.218 Total 1090.1 TABLE IB The following is a list of ingredients in an illustrative embodiment of the vitarnin/mineral prenrix-708351 ("premix") and the relative amounts of each: g/liter calcium carbonate 2.425 potassium chloride 1.583 magnesium carbonate 0.676 tricalcium phosphate 0.347 carnitine 0.296 β-carotene 0.223 taurine 0.167 c -tocopheryl acetate 0.117 selenium yeast 0.115 biotin 0.080 zinc sulfate 0.070 ferrous sulfate 0.061 niacinamide (B3) 0.044 calcium pantothenate 0.028 manganese sulfate 0.018 cyanocobalamin B12 0.016 copper gluconate 0.016 phytonadione (vitamin K) 0.014 pyridoxine HC1 0.014 folic acid 0.012 Vitamin A palmitate 0.007 thiamin HC1 (B1) 0.006 potassium iodide 0.006 riboflavin (B2) 0.004 cholecalciferol (D) 0.001 Total 6.34 Example 2 Referring to Fig 2 there is presented a process flow diagram for preparation of the product in a retort system. In greater detail, a 4536 kg (10000 lb) batch of product is prepared as follows: 1900.1 kg (4190.7 lb) of hot deionized water at above 37.7°C (100°F) and up to 82.1°C (180°F) is pumped into a 4546 1 (1000 gal) processor and 0.9 kg (2.0 lb) antifoam added along with 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) "gum". Add 15.3 kg (33.7 lb) citrates, 6.2 kg (13.7 lb) citric acid and 20.05 kg (44.2 lb) L-arginine to the processor and agitate on high for about 10 minutes. Then add 241.7 kg (532.9 lb) sodium caseinate, 80.7 kg (178 lb) calcium caseinate, 861.8 kg (1900 lb) corn syrup solids, and 27.5 kg (60.6 lb) fructose. Flush lines with DI water, add to the processor and heat to a temperature below 73.8°C (165°F), preferably in the range from 65.5-71°C (150°-160°F). In a first oil slurry tank, mix 62.4 kg (137.6 lb) MCT oil, 64.8 kg (142.8 lb) corn oil and 90.7 kg (200 lb) high oleic sunflower oil and commence heating. When the oil reaches 59.9-82.1°C (140-180°F), preferably 71-73.8°C (160-165°F), add 7.1 kg (15.6 lb) soy lecithin. In a second oil slurry tank pour 206.3 kg (454.9 lb) high oleic sunflower oil and heat to 59.9-82.1°C (140-180°F), preferably 71-73.8°C (160-165°F). Add the contents of the two oil slurry tanks to the processor and maintain the temperature of its contents in the range 54.4-82.1°C (130-180°F), preferably at about 73.8°C (165°F). Add 136.1 kg (300 lb) DI water and 37.1 kg (81.7 lb) of vitaniin mineral premix 280-23. In a 45.46 1 (10 gal) vessel containing 22.7 kg (50 lb) DI water at room temperature mix 1.9 kg (4.2 lb) choline chloride. Add to the dissolved premix-280-23, and add to the processor. Homogenize the mixture through a two-stage homogenizer, cool and store the cooled homogenized product in a storage tank. If desired, the mixture may be homogenized a second time. Add 2.3 kg (5.0 lb) ascorbate and agitate to disperse.

The homogenized product is packaged, preferably in 1 liter plastic bottles. The bottles are preferably sterilized by immersing the bottles in water at 121°C (250°F) and agitating them end-over-end for about 19 min.

The main ingredients used to make 4536 kg (10000 lb) of a specific embodiment of the product for tube feeding in the above process flow scheme are as follows: deionized water 2808.1 kg (6190.71b); L-arginine 20.0 kg (44.21b); corn syrup solids 861.8 kg (19001b); high oleic sunflower oil 297.1 kg (654.91b); sodium caseinate 241.7 kg (532.91b); calcium caseinate 80.7 kg (1781b); corn oil 64.8 kg (142.81b); MCT oil 62.4 kg (137.61b); fructose 27.5 kg (60.61b); citric acid 6.2 kg (13.71b); citrates 15.3 kg (33.71b); soy lecithin 7.1 kg (15.61b); antifoam 0.9 kg (2.01b); "gum" 3.4 kg (7.51b); choline chloride 1.9 kg (4.21b); vitamin mineral premix-280-23 37.1 kg (81.71b); and, sodium ascorbate 2.3 kg (5.01b).

TABLE 2A The following is a list of ingredients and the relative amounts of each, in a first illustrative embodiment of the product for tube feeding in which total elemental L-arginine provides about 1.2% of total calories: g/ iter deionized water 674.787 corn syrup solids 206.550 high oleic sunflower oil 71.380 sodium caseinate 58.088 calcium caseinate 19.403 MCT oil 15.000 corn oil 15.560 L-arginine 4.816 premix-280-23 8.900 fructose 6.600 sodium citrate 2.882 lecithin 1.703 citric acid 1.495 gum 0.812 potassium citrate 0.800 choline chloride 0.462 sodium ascorbate 0.545 antifoam 0.218 Total 1090.00 TABLE 2B The following is a list of ingredients in an illustrative erribodirnent of the vitamin niineral premix-280-23 and the relative amounts of each: g liter calcium citrate 4.445 potassium chloride 1.642 magnesium sulfate 0.755 tricalcium phosphate 0.346 carnitine 0.307 β-carotene 0.223 magnesium oxide 0.200 maltodextrin 0.180 taurine 0.167 a-tocopherylacetate 0.117 selenium yeast 0.115 biotin 0.080 zinc sulfate 0.070 ferrous sulfate 0.061 rdacinarnide (B3) 0.043 calcium pantothenate 0.027 magnesium sulfate 0.018 cyanccobalarnin B12 0.016 copper gluconate 0.016 phytonadione (vitamin K) 0.014 pyridoxine HCI 0.014 folic acid 0.012 Vitamin A palmitate 0.007 thiamin HCI (Bl) 0.006 potassium iodide 0.006 riboflavin (B2) 0.004 cholecalciferol (D) 0.001 Total 8.90 TABLE 2C The following is a list of ingredients and the relative amounts of each, in a second illustrative embodiment of the product for tube feeding in which total elemental L-arginine provides about 1 % of total calories: gliter deionized water 645.480 liquid corn syrup 238.408 fructose 6.600 high oleic sunflower oil 71.380 sodium caseinate 58.088 calcium caseinate 19.403 MCT oil 15.000 corn oil 15.560 L-arginine 3.705 premix 267-129 3.010 calcium citrate 4.445 potassium chloride 1.642 lecithin 1.703 choline chloride 0.462 sodium ascorbate 0.273 antifoam 0.218 gum 0.812 citric acid 1.150 β-carotene 0.223 sodium citrate 2.482 Total 1090.05 TABLE 2D The following is a list of ingredients and the relative amounts of each, in a third illustrative embodiment of the product for tube feeding in which total elemental I^-arginine provides about 2% of total calories: g/liter deionized water 645.850 liquid corn syrup 238.408 fructose 6.600 high oleic sunflower oil 71.380 sodhimcaseinate 54.900 calcium caseinate 18.523 MCT oil 15.000 corn oil 15.560 L-arginine 7.410 prernix 267-129 3.010 calcium citrate 4.445 potassium chloride 1.642 lecithin 1.703 choline chloride 0.462 sodium ascorbate 0.273 antifoam 0.218 gum 0.812 citric acid 2.300 β-carotene 0.223 sodium citrate 1.282 Total 1090.00 TABLE 2E The foUowing is a list of ingredients and the relative amounts of each, in a fourth illustrative embodiment of the product for tube feeding in which total elemental I^-arginine provides about 3% of total calories: g/liter deionized water 648.430 liquid corn syrup 236.915 fructose 6.600 high oleic sunflower oil 71.380 sodium caseinate 50.819 calcium caseinate 16.980 MCT oil 15.000 com oil 15.560 I^arginine 12.602 pranix 267-129 3.010 calcium citrate 4.445 potassium chloride 1.642 lecithin 1.703 choline chloride 0.462 sodium ascorbate 0.273 antifoam 0.218 gum 0.812 citric acid 2.930 β-carotene 0.223 Total 1090.01 TABLE 2F The following is a list of ingredients in an illustrative embodiment of the vitamin mineral premix 267-129 and the relative amounts of each: g liter magnesium sulfate 1.511 tricalcium phosphate 0.346 carnitine 0.307 taurine 0.167 a-tocopherylacetate 0.117 selenium yeast 0.115 biotin 0.080 zinc sulfate 0.070 ferrous sulfate 0.061 maltodextrin 0.047 niacinamide (B3) 0.044 calcium pantothenate 0.027 manganese sulfate 0.018 cyanoo)balarnin B12 0.016 copper gluconate 0.016 phytonadione (vitamin K) 0.014 pyridoxine HQ 0.014 folic acid 0.012 Vitamin A palrrritate 0.007 thiainin HCl (Bl) 0.006 potassium iodide 0.006 riboflavin (B2) 0.004 cholecalciferol (D) 0.001 Total 3.01 In the foregoing examples, a very small amount of fructose is used for flavor, despite its adverse effect on osmolality. Substituting maltodextrin would relieve the problem with excess osmolality. To the extent that the addition of sucrose or lactose can be tolerated for their adverse effect on osmolality, small amounts of either may be used, but less than the amount of fructose used in the foregoing examples.

Claims (14)

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1. A liquid nutritional product having a caloric density of about 8 kj/ml (2 cal/ml), comprising protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, wherein che caloric distribution attributable to said protein is less than one-half that attributable co either said carbohydrates or fac, wherein added elemental L-arginine as herein defined contributes from 0.5% to 7% of total calories, wherein at least one-half of total available arginine is said added elemental L-arginine, and which comprises lactic, adipic, malic acid and mixtures thereof in a range sufficient to provide a presterilized pH in the range from 6 CO 8.

2. An aseptically sterilized liquid nutritional product according to claim 1.

3. A retortable liquid nutritional product having a caloric density of about 8 kj/ml (2 Cal/ml), comprising protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitarnins and minerals, wherein the caloric distribution attributable to said protein is less than one-half that attributable co either said carbohydrates or fat, wherein added elemental L-arginine as herein defined contributes from 0.5% to 7% of total calories, and at least one-half of total available arginine is said added elemental L-arginine, and which comprises citric acid in combination with citrates of sodium, potassium and/or calcium, the ratio of citric acid and citrates to arginine being in the range of from 1 to 2.5.

4. A retorted liquid nutritional product according to claim 3.

5. The product of any preceding claim which has a calcium to phosphorus ratio in the range from 1:1 to 2:1.

6. The product of any preceding claim wherein water is present in an amount less than 80% by weight.

7. The product of any one of the preceding claims wherein sucrose and lactose are absent.

8. The product of any one of the preceding claims wherein the osmolality is less than 1000 mOsm kg water.

9. The product of any one of the preceding claims wherein total L-arginine contributes from 1.2% to 3% of total calories in said product.

10. A liquid nutritional product accordine to anv of claims 1 to 9 which has a viscosity of less than 139170/3 20

11. A method of producing a liquid nutritional product according to claim 1 or claim 2, for oral ingestion by a person having renal failure, comprising, hearing water and mixing protein and carbohydrate therein to form a protein-carbohydrate mixture; thereafter sequentially mixing elemental L-arginine as herein defined and an amount of an arginine-neutralizing acid selected from the group consisdng of lactic acid, malic acid and adipic acid and adding to said mixture; mixing said fat? and an emulsifier therefor, and adding to said mixture; adding a premix of vitamins and desirable minerals to said mixture; heating said mixture; and, homogenizing, sterilizing and packaging said mixture.,

12. A method of producing a liquid nutritional product according to claim 3 or claim 4, for tube feeding a person having renal failure, comprising, heating water and adding a mixture of elemental arginine as herein defined, citric acid and citrates; thereafter, sequentially, mixing protein and carbohydrate therein to form a protein-carbohydrate mixture; mixing said fat and an emulsifier therefor, and adding to said mixture; adding a prernix of vitamins and desirable minerals to said mixture; heating said mixture; and, homogenizing, packaging and sterilizing said mixture.

13. Use of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, whereby the caloric distribution . attributable to said protein is less than one-half that attributable to either said carbohydrates or fat, and added elemental L-arginine contributing from about 0.5% to 7% of total calories, whereby at least one-half of total available arginine is said added elemental L-arginine, for the preparation of a liquid nutritional product having a caloric density of about 8kJ/ml (2 cal/ml) which maintains the nutritional health of a person having renal failure and enhances the glomerular function of diseased kidneys, substantially as described in the specification.

14. Use of a liquid nutritional product according to any one of claims 1 to 10 in the manufacture of a medicament or a liquid nutritional product substantially as described in the specification for maintaining the nutritional health of a person having renal failure and enhancing the glomerular function of diseased kidneys.